The Teachers Lounge

As many of us start another year of teaching, Bryan shares an article from Mike Roberts (@BaldRoberts) on 20 simple-yet-meaningful things teachers can do every day to improve the classroom atmosphere for themselves and their students. This article can be found on the National Association of Independent Schools website at https://www.nais.org/learn/independent-ideas/august-2018/20-simple-yet-meaningful-things-educators-can-do-every-day/

No smiling till Christmas? Do we need to act like a drill instructor the first few weeks of school? There are many misunderstandings when it comes to being a firm and fair teacher. Fortunately, we have an experienced educator, mentor, and author Robert Ward to help us identify what that looks like in an effective classroom. We also discuss what makes teachers fascinating facilitators to their students. Robert's book "The Firm, Fair, Fascinating Facilitator: Inspire your Students, Engage your Class, Transform your Teaching" can be found on Amazon and his blog is at https://rewardingeducation.wordpress.com

Welcome back to school! It's been awhile since we've had a normal classroom environment. It can be helpful to explain your class procedures. Procedures tell a student what to do. This form of prevention can be an important key to solving discipline problems and make your classroom run more smoothly. For the full article, visit http://www.teachers.net/wong/SEP13/

It's that time of year again! Summer vacation is coming to an end and we're getting ready to start a brand new school year! The start of the year is critical, and so much depends on your attitude. Bryan and Dr. James offer some helpful suggestions about the mindset/attitude you convey the first few weeks. For more of Dr. James content visit ⁠PFPL.US

On this podcast series, Bryan will not only share his own views and experiences but feature the voice of other educators as well. Some are featured in a conversational episode and others are highlighted by having their written words read aloud.    This episode features an article from edutopia.org titled ⁠"How Novice and Expert Teachers Approach Classroom Management Differently"⁠ by Youki Terada—plus 6 takeaways for managing your classroom effectively this year."

For many teachers, it is a struggle to transition from summer to teaching. The beginning of the school year is so full of things to do and can be overwhelming. Educators often make the mistake of complaining about the start of school and focus on all the negative aspects of the job. Guest Owen Griffith (@owenmgriffith) is here to help us have a more grateful mindset about our jobs and life. Owen is not only a classroom teacher but also a public speaker, blog writer, and published author. His book Gratitude: A Way of Teaching will help many discouraged teachers and how they conduct their classrooms. This valuable book will give educators solution-based methods and research-based resources to improve classroom culture, as well as enabling schools to elevate students’ engagement and academic achievement. This highly praised book is currently available at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Gratitude-Teaching-Owen-M-Griffith-ebook/dp/B01CRJ4FNE/ref=mt_kindle?_encoding=UTF8&me=#nav-subnav

 Many teachers are doing a variety of side hustles like tutoring, food delivery, or pet sitting. Why? Because many are trying to better their financial situation, especially with current high cost of living.   Others are working to pay off debt.  Is it worth it to be debt free? For many people the answer is yes.   For many, getting out of debt is one of the best things you can do for your financial well-being. The teaching profession is difficult enough to manage with all the various stresses we encounter everyday. Financial stress can add to that.    

This brief episode is a prequel to the upcoming season. Bryan checks in and share his thoughts about this podcast series which aims to encourage educators and provide them a voice. This series will also provide teachers helpful tools and strategies.  So stay subscribed and be ready for a great season of episodes that will help us become better educators!

As I wrap season two of the podcast, this episode serves as an epilogue. While we get ready to start our summer break in the States my time away from the classroom will be extended. Since the field of education doesn't seem to be making positive changes for teachers it's time for me to make a change. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

As the school year is coming to an end, many teachers shut down and give the students unstructured free time. While this may work with some groups, for many teachers it can lead to more stress and classroom management problems. In this episode, Bryan shares some ideas on how you can end the school year on a fun note, yet stay true to the learning environment. After all, students have all summer to rest and goof around. It shouldn't happen in your classroom. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

Joining me on the show is Dr. Todd Whitaker (@ToddWhitaker). He's recognized as a leading motivational speaker in the field of education. On the program we discuss what great teachers and principals do differently. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message

This is the time of year when some of us are exploring other opportunities to work at other schools.  One of the disadvantages of our profession is that teachers have a very small window of time to interview and be hired.  Returning guests Evelyn and James help us to identify what school administrators are looking for.   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mr-bryans-classroom/message

If you watched the Superbowl, you couldn't help but notice the atmosphere was filled with excitement and passion. The announcers, players, fans, and halftime performers acted like they really wanted to be there and enjoyed what they were doing.  Can the same be said about you in your classroom?  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mr-bryans-classroom/message

In Smart Kids, Bad Schools, award-winning author and educator Brian Crosby (brian-crosby.com)draws on his many years as a high school English teacher to offer a candid appraisal of why our schools are failing and what we must do to save them.        --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mr-bryans-classroom/message